Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s development. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text.
In the wake of those allegations, the company felt compelled to be more transparent about how and where AI tools are being employed. The full text of the newly added disclosure reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then‑unannounced use of AI in the game's development." The statement proceeds to outline the company’s stance on the matter, acknowledging that the writer in question was indeed let go and that the studio has explored AI alternatives for certain narrative components.
It also clarifies that any AI‑generated content will be identified on the Steam page once the final feature set is locked down. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she had been removed from the Rideshare Simulator project partway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. Sacco further alleged that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools in other aspects of the game’s creation, raising concerns about transparency and the treatment of creative talent.
In response, CEO Matt Karch issued a statement attempting to contextualize the decision. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This comment was interpreted by many observers as an admission that the studio was open to using AI as a substitute for human writers, a stance that has generated both support and criticism within the gaming community. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his limited personal interaction with Sacco.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing Claude, an AI assistant he uses for research. He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a potential benefit for consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience. The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I've been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it's been borne out.
Matt expressed a desire to make it right with me; at this time I don't really know what that looks like for me, and I'll have to take some time to sit with it, but I do at least accept his apology." Karch also made a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding events. "I unfortunately got triggered by certain later comments (for reasons I won't get into) and shot first and thought second about how to respond," he wrote. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The exchange highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative processes.
While AI can accelerate content generation, many developers and writers worry about the ethical implications of replacing human creativity with machine‑generated text, especially when it comes to credit, compensation, and artistic integrity. The gaming sector has seen a surge in AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural level design to dialogue scripting, but the balance between efficiency and authenticity remains a contentious point. For players and consumers, the updated Steam disclaimer serves as a transparent signal that parts of Rideshare Simulator may contain AI‑crafted elements. This transparency aligns with growing calls from gamers for clearer labeling of AI content, similar to the labeling requirements being discussed for deep‑fake media and synthetic voices.
From a business perspective, Saber Interactive’s decision to publicly acknowledge AI usage could be seen as a proactive step to mitigate reputational risk. By openly communicating the presence of AI, the studio may avoid accusations of deception and build trust with a community that values honesty about development practices.
The episode also underscores the importance of clear communication between leadership and staff. Sacco’s claim that she was removed without adequate explanation, coupled with Karch’s admission of an impulsive reaction, suggests that internal dialogue may have been lacking. Companies navigating the integration of AI technologies might benefit from establishing robust policies that outline when and how AI can replace or augment human work, ensuring that all parties understand the rationale behind such decisions. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both a reaction to public scrutiny and a broader industry shift toward greater openness about machine‑generated content.
CEO Matt Karch’s apology to former writer Stella Sacco, coupled with his candid acknowledgment of a hasty response, illustrates the human side of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As AI continues to permeate game development, the dialogue between studios, creators, and players will likely shape the standards for transparency, fairness, and creative collaboration for years to come.